freshwater fish guide nsw

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a guide to freshwater fi sh in NSW

A fi sh friendly farms publication

What fi sh is this?A guide to freshwater fi sh in NSW

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a guide to freshwater fi sh in NSWFish friendly farms

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The fi sh friendly farms team has produced

this guide to help you identify native

fi sh that could be in your streams

and understand what they need

to survive and thrive. We have

also included fi sh species that

have been deliberately or

accidentally introduced into

the rivers and creeks of NSW. In

many cases, these “exotic” fi sh have

rapidly colonised the waterways, out-

competing our native fi sh and further adding

to the problems they face. We hope this information will

inspire you to help restore stream habitat and streambank

vegetation, as these actions will encourage native fi sh to

return to your waterways.

this guide to help you identify native

fi sh that could be in your streams

and understand what they need

to survive and thrive. We have

also included fi sh species that

accidentally introduced into

the rivers and creeks of NSW. In

many cases, these “exotic” fi sh have

rapidly colonised the waterways, out-

competing our native fi sh and further adding

Widespread natural range from the Grose River southwards throughout the coastal streams of NSW, Victoria, Tasmania and eastern South Australia. Habitat includes large and small clear coastal rivers with moderate fl ows and gravel substrates. Undertakes upstream migrations to spawn. Eggs and larvae are washed downstream

to mature in brackish estuarine waters and fi sh return upstream to breed. A shy species that forms fast moving shoals, feeding mainly on aquatic algae, insects and micro-crustaceans. Highly sensitive to environmental change. Emits an unusual cucumber-like aroma when freshly caught.

Australian grayling Prototroctes maraena

Maximum fi sh length 30cm

Abundant and broad range throughout many coastal and inland drainage systems. Usually found in slow-fl owing streams and still backwaters. Forms large shoals near the surface or around vegetation and woody debris. Aquatic vegetation

is also an important site for laying eggs. Diet includes insects, micro-crustaceans and algae. Preyed upon by many larger fi sh species. Gives off an unusual cucumber-like fragrance when caught.

Australian smelt Retropinna semoni


Relatively common in northern coastal drainages. Found primarily in freshwater rivers and lagoons as well as coastal marine waters and brackish estuaries. Males display intensive parental care, with oral incubation of a small number of

relatively large fertilised eggs for up to 8 weeks, during which the male does not feed. Diet is omnivorous, comprising small fi shes, prawns, vegetation, terrestrial and aquatic insects, molluscs and detritus.

Blue catfi sh Arius graeff ei

Maximum fi sh length 50cmFound in highland and coastal lakes, rivers, small streams and brackish estuaries. Prefers the thick cover of aquatic vegetation in rock and gravel-bottomed pools. Undertakes extensive migrations; a water level rise during a fl ooding event triggers a downstream spawning

migration into saline estuaries. Eggs are planktonic and are swept out to sea where the larvae hatch. Adults consume other fi sh, insects and crustaceans. During summer months diet comes largely from terrestrial sources, such as insects falling from riparian vegetation.

Australian bass Macquaria novemaculeata

Native Fish


PROTECTED

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One of the most widespread and common fi sh of inland Australia. Found in NSW throughout the lower altitudes of the Murray-Darling system. Most common in the shallows of turbid, slow-fl owing drainages, also found in large fl oodplain lakes and desert bores. Water fl ow increase triggers spawning.

Lays up to several hundred thousand semi-buoyant eggs. Forms large shoals near the bottom, feeding on benthic algae, small invertebrates and decaying organic matter. Important food source for larger fi sh. Very susceptible to oxygen depletion and fi rst to die when ephemeral habitats begin to dry up.

Bony bream Nematalosa erebi


A bottom dwelling fi sh usually found within 50 km of the coast, in still or slow-fl owing freshwater streams over rock, mud or gravel substrates. Predominantly located amongst aquatic vegetation or woody debris. Normally frequents fresh water but may migrate downstream

into estuaries when it rains. Fairly inactive species, spending the majority of its time stationary on the bottom or amongst weeds waiting to ambush prey. Both adults and juveniles have venomous spines on the dorsal, and anal and pelvic fi ns, so should not be handled, even when dead.

Bullrout Notesthes robusta


The largest Australian galaxiid. Found in clear fl owing, shaded streams with rocks and boulders that drain to the east of the Great Dividing Range, also translocated to the Murray-Darling system via the Snowy hydro scheme. More abundant amongst stones and woody debris with good native

vegetation cover. A solitary, migratory fi sh renowned for the juveniles’ unusual ability to climb vertical damp surfaces (such as waterfalls) using their large pectoral and pelvic fi ns as suction cups. Feeds on a variety of insects and amphipods at the surface and near the bottom.

Climbing galaxias Galaxias brevipinnis

Maximum fi sh length 27.8cm

The most widely distributed galaxiid species, most abundant at low elevations in still or gently-fl owing streams, rivers and lakes that drain to the coast. Endures a wide range of salinity levels (euryhalinity), permitting downstream migration in autumn to estuaries to spawn,

depositing eggs and sperm on fringing vegetation. Larvae stay at sea, returning as juveniles in large shoals to coastal rivers. Feeds on a wide variety of small aquatic and terrestrial insects. Important component of the whitebait industry.

Common jollytail Galaxias maculatus


Found in coastal drainages in the southeast of the state (no records north of the Clyde River). Primarily a bottom dweller of brackish estuaries, often remains partly buried under logs, aquatic plants and amongst leaf litter. Known to embark on migrations far inland

where it is found in slow-fl owing, freshwater streams. Diet consists of a variety of insects, crustaceans, molluscs, worms and fi sh. Buries into the soft creek bottom and waits to ambush passing prey. Capable of rapid bursts of swimming when disturbed.

Congolli Pseudaphritis urvillii


Range covers most of the NSW southeast coastal drainage, however it is rarely located close to the sea. Commonly found in fl owing upland waters, often in rapids adjacent to fringing vegetation. During upstream migration they have been

seen to climb waterfalls and steep dam walls. Females lay eggs on rocky surfaces. The fertilised eggs are then guarded and fanned by the male till they hatch. Diet consists of small aquatic insects, including mosquito larvae.

Cox’s gudgeon Gobiomorphus coxii


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Range encompasses coastal drainages east of the Great Dividing Range, from Macleay River (NSW) north to the Burnett River (Qld). Inhabits a variety of habitats, including rivers, creeks, ponds, drains, coastal lakes and reservoirs. Prefers slow-fl owing

or still waters with dense aquatic vegetation and woody debris. Mainly carnivorous diet, feeding on aquatic invertebrates and terrestrial arthropods that fall onto the water surface. Popular aquarium fi sh.

Crimson-spotted rainbowfi sh Melanotaenia duboulayi


Range restricted to the upper reaches of the Darling River system in northern NSW, usually found among vegetation margins or over gravel substrate in slow-fl owing, clear waters of small, lowland creeks

and streams. Large, fairly clear eggs are deposited on aquatic vegetation, attaching via an adhesive thread. Hatching takes place 5 to 7 days later. Diet consists of small aquatic insects and crustaceans.

Darling River hardyhead Craterocephalus amniculus


Widely distributed throughout coastal drainages, and patchily along the Murray River and its tributaries. Usually found over mud or rock substrates, dispersed amongst plants or woody debris, in calm or slow-fl owing water of streams,

lakes, reservoirs and brackish estuaries. Lays tear-drop shaped eggs, which attach to hard surfaces. Diet is carnivorous, feeding on a range of insects, larvae and micro-crustaceans.

Dwarf fl athead gudgeon Philypnodon macrostomus


Native to most freshwater reaches of the Clarence and Richmond river systems of north-eastern NSW. Pristine, clear-fl owing streams with rocks and deep holes are prime habitat. Generally found under or around in-stream cover (eg. woody debris). Diverse habitat is vital for each life cycle stage, e.g.

riparian vegetation, large boulders and woody debris. Spawns when temperatures exceed 16 ºC, laying large adhesive eggs on logs and rocks. Adults known to prey on other fi sh, frogs, crustaceans and snakes. Larvae consume aquatic insects and zooplankton.

Eastern freshwater cod Maccullochella ikei


ENDANGERED

Found in coastal drainages, in fl owing or still water, more common at low elevations. Usually associated with aquatic plants and large woody debris. Colour varies considerably, especially during breeding when males establish territories and display brightly coloured vertical fi ns

to attract a mate. Adhesive eggs are deposited on rocks, sand or weeds and when fertilised are guarded and fanned by the male until hatching takes place. Diet consists of aquatic invertebrates and larvae. Popular aquarium fi sh.

Empire gudgeon Hypseleotris compressa


A common species in coastal lakes, estuaries and lower tidal reaches of rivers, normally favouring deep saline waters. Usually found amongst logs, rocks and other submerged objects. During winter they move to estuaries to breed,

laying numerous semi-buoyant eggs distributed over rocks and aquatic macrophytes. Primarily feeds at the surface and mid-water during winter and at the bottom in summer. Diet consists of small prawns, shrimps, fi sh, molluscs and worms.

Estuary perch Macquaria colonorum


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Commonly found at low elevations in freshwater coastal drainages, in streams, ponds, swamps and drains, usually around aquatic vegetation. During the warmer months the female lays eggs in clutches of up to

100, underneath rocks, logs, shells or leaves. The fertilised eggs are then guarded and fanned by the male till they hatch. Adults feed on insects, larvae and small crustaceans.

Firetail gudgeon Hypseleotris galii

Max fi sh length 5.5cm

Common species in drainage systems of the southeast coast and sections of the Murray-Darling system. Generally located in large, calm fl oodplain lakes, reservoirs and brackish estuaries. Can be found motionless over mud bottoms, and often among aquatic vegetation, but

capable of rapid swimming bursts if disturbed. Females lay a clutch of eggs on a hard surface (eg. woody debris). The fertilised eggs are then guarded and fanned by the male till they hatch. Diet includes small fi shes, crustaceans, tadpoles and insects.

Flathead gudgeon Philypnodon grandiceps


A shoal-forming species widely distributed in most of the Murray-Darling River system, more common towards the northern part of its range. Often found in calm or gently-fl owing lowland rivers, small streams, lakes, ponds and billabongs. Generally observed in the margins

of shallow water, amongst aquatic vegetation and over sand, gravel or mud substrate. Spawning occurs when temperatures exceed 24 ºC. Adhesive eggs are laid over rocks, crevices and aquatic plants. Diet consists of small invertebrates and algae.

Fly-specked hardyhead Craterocephalus stercusmuscarum fulvus


Wide natural distribution in the Murray-Darling River system, also found in streams along the NSW north coast, south to the Shoalhaven River. Prefers sluggish or still waters of rivers, creeks and billabongs. Spawning takes place from late spring until mid-summer following complex courtships, usually in nests

up to 200 cm in diameter built of pebbles or gravel. Fertilised eggs are guarded by one of the parents and aerated by fanning with their tail. Generally bottom feeders, taking molluscs, crustaceans, insect larvae and small fi shes. Susceptible to localised disturbances such as water pollution due to small home ranges.

Freshwater catfi sh Tandanus tandanus


Range restricted to the south-east coast drainage of NSW, particularly common in rivers north of Sydney. Prefers clear to turbid, moderately fl owing streams, also found in sluggish lowland rivers and estuaries. Mature adults migrate to estuarine

areas in winter for spawning, juveniles subsequently move back upstream. A fast-swimming, shoal-forming fi sh, whose diet consists of worms, small crustaceans and insects.

Freshwater herring Potamalosa richmondia


Found in drainages of the east coast between Georges River (NSW) and Burnett River (Qld). Generally occurs in small shoals in the deep pools of slow-fl owing sections of the river. Also found in estuaries and

coastal seas during spawning runs from late summer to early autumn. Feeds mainly on algae and other plants, and also consumes decaying organic material and invertebrates.

Freshwater mullet Myxus petardi


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Natural range throughout the Murray-Darling Basin, except at higher altitudes. Habitat varies from clear, rocky headwaters to more turbid, slow-moving rivers and billabongs, amongst fallen timber, undercut banks or rocky ledges. Migratory species, travelling far upstream (up to 2000 km) to

spawn when water temperature reaches 23 ºC and water levels rise. Small, transparent pelagic larvae drift downstream with the fl ood waters. Opportunistic carnivore, largely preys on fi sh in winter and yabbies in summer, also known to eat freshwater molluscs.

Golden perch Macquaria ambigua


Occurs in the upper Darling River system, in a variety of habitats including still or fl owing streams, turbid billabongs and pools. Shoal forming species that swims into the shoreline shallows at night. Diet consists of insects, molluscs, small

crustaceans and worms. Prey is located using sensory barbels around their mouth. Sharp venomous spines are located at the dorsal and pectoral fi ns, and must be handled with caution.

Hyrtl’s tandan Neosilurus hyrtlii


An abundant species in east coast drainages, inhabits lakes and swamps, but more common in fl owing rivers. Mature adults undertake annual downstream migrations to oceanic waters for spawning, the precise location of which is unknown. Immature eels

are capable of climbing vertical walls, and adults and juveniles can travel overland on wet or damp ground. Mostly active at night, but sometimes feeds during the day on young waterbirds, fi sh, insects and molluscs.

Long-fi nned eel Anguilla reinhardtii


A quiet, furtive species, endemic throughout the cooler, upstream reaches of the Murray-Darling Basin. Also known from some major coastal drainages, including the Hawkesbury and Shoalhaven catchments. Often found in cool, clear waters of rivers, lakes and

reservoirs, favouring deep holes interspersed with shallow riffl es. Spawning occurs in shallow upland streams with females laying 50,000 to 100,000 eggs which sink between the gravel and stones. Diet mainly consists of crustaceans and benthic invertebrates, particularly insects.

Macquarie perch Macquaria australasica


VULNERABLE

Common in coastal drainages of northern NSW. Generally found in large schools amongst aquatic vegetation, in shallow water of clear fl owing streams, often over sand or gravel substrates. The usually dull

body colour turns bright yellow during the summer breeding season. Known to ‘gather’ food and sand from the bottom, and also feed on aquatic insects, micro-crustaceans, fi sh eggs and algae.

Marjorie’s hardyhead Craterocephalus marjoriae


Found in moderate to high elevations in both coastal and inland rivers to the east and west of the Great Dividing Range. Prefers clear pools in small, fl owing streams with cobble, gravel or sand substrate, often found amongst rocks or logs. Adults breed in spring in

fast-fl owing shallow riffl e areas. Adhesive eggs drift and lodge in the substrate or attach to in-stream debris and boulders. Consumes a wide variety of aquatic insects, crustaceans, molluscs and worms, also terrestrial insects and spiders.

Mountain galaxias Galaxias olidus


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A solitary, nocturnally active species, widespread in coastal drainages from the Clarence River north. Commonly found in still or slow-fl owing waters of streams, pools, lakes, swamps and reservoirs, generally amongst shallow densely vegetated margins. Females lay

a mass of large eggs which when fertilised are incubated by the male in his mouth till hatching occurs a few days later. A voracious carnivore, it waits motionless amongst plant cover waiting to ambush prey of small fi sh, crustaceans and insects.

Mouth almighty Glossamia aprion


Australia’s largest freshwater fi sh. Wide natural distribution covers most of the Murray-Darling system. Commonly found in slow-fl owing, turbid rivers and creeks at low elevations, also fast-moving, clear, rocky upland creeks. Prefers deep holes near in-stream cover such as woody debris (87 % are found

within one metre of a snag) or overhanging vegetation. Seasonal high fl ows and temperature trigger upstream adult spawning migration. When waters recede, returns to the exact log or hollow from which it originated. Feeds on other fi sh, crustaceans and molluscs.

Murray cod Maccullochella peelii


Naturally distributed in the Murray and Murrumbidgee River systems. Usually found among margins of slow-fl owing lowland rivers, lakes, billabongs, backwaters and inundated fl oodplains, among aquatic vegetation and over gravel

substrates. Spawns during the warmer months, laying relatively large adhesive eggs that attach to aquatic vegetation. Diet consists of algae, small aquatic insects and crustaceans.

Murray hardyhead Craterocephalus fl uviatilis


ENDANGERED

A shoaling species endemic to the Murray-Darling system. More likely to be encountered at lower elevations inhabiting still or gently-fl owing waters of lakes, lagoons, billabongs and backwaters. Prefers habitat with abundant overhead

cover provided by woody debris, riparian and aquatic vegetation. Spawns in small pools laying spherical, slightly adhesive eggs that settle to the bottom. Feeds primarily on small crustaceans and aquatic insects.

Murray jollytail Galaxias rostratus


Occurs in the middle and lower sections of the Murray, Murrumbidgee and Macquarie rivers and several other tributaries of the Darling River. Inhabits a variety of habitat in streams, rivers, billabongs and swamps. Prefers slow-moving clear still waters

and often found congregating in small schools around dense aquatic vegetation, or submerged logs and branches. Essentially carnivorous; feeds on aquatic invertebrates and terrestrial arthropods which may fall onto the water surface and is also known to consume algae.

Murray-Darling rainbowfi sh Melanotaenia fl uviatilis


Natural range includes tributaries of the Murray-Darling River system, also found in coastal drainages of northern NSW. Habitats include vegetated margins of slow-fl owing, warm waters in rivers, creeks, ponds, reservoirs, drainage ditches and swamps. May occur locally in large

numbers (several hundred) that congregate among suitable shelter such as woody debris, boulders and aquatic vegetation. Nocturnal feeder preying largely on micro-crustaceans, insects, small arachnids, algae and very small fi sh.

Olive perchlet Ambassis agassizii


Olive perchlet

WESTERN POPULATION ENDANGERED

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Restricted range in coastal drainages extending north from Coffs Harbour. Occupies sandy bottom creeks, lakes and ponds or streams with low fl ows. Predominantly found in sandy, coastal ‘wallum’ areas in tannin-

stained waters, amongst the cover of submerged roots and woody debris. Omnivorous diet, feeds on insects and their aquatic larvae and algae. Has been known to survive water temperatures down to 8 ºC. Popular aquarium fi sh.

Ornate rainbowfi sh Rhadinocentrus ornatus


Endemic from south-eastern Qld to north-eastern NSW. Found in dune lakes, small, slow-fl owing streams and rivers with sandy bottoms and weedy or reedy margins. Favours clear, tannin-stained often acidic creeks in coastal ‘wallum’ country,

with plenty of shelter in the form of undercut, root-fi lled banks or dense aquatic vegetation. Mainly carnivorous, feeding on copepods, water fl eas and aquatic insects as well as algae.

Oxleyan pygmy perch Nannoperca oxleyana


Formerly distributed throughout the lower to mid slopes of the Murray-Darling drainage system, also found patchily in far north coast streams. Occupies a variety of environments including rivers, creeks and billabongs. Prefers quiet or slow-fl owing reaches with shelter provided by submerged structures such as woody debris, vegetation

and rocks. Spawns in summer when females produce successive batches of 280-1300 elongate, transparent eggs that are deposited on rocks, logs or other solid debris. Feeds on a wide range of organisms including tadpoles, worms and small fi sh but also known to consume algae, pollen and miscellaneous forms of organic matter.

Purple-spotted gudgeon Mogurnda adspersa


ENDANGERED

WESTERN POPULATION ENDANGERED

Range restricted to altitudes above 150 metres in the Murray-Darling system. Inhabits a variety of environments from small streams, and fast-fl owing rivers, to murky, slow-moving streams and dams. Prefers habitat with abundant cover provided by woody debris, aquatic macrophytes and undercut

banks. Spawns from spring to early summer, lays adhesive yellow-orange eggs in hollow logs or rock crevices. Secretive, bottom-dwelling fi sh, consumes a signifi cant amount of terrestrial invertebrates, also eats crustaceans, molluscs and small fi shes.

River blackfi sh Gadopsis marmoratus


Found in freshwater lakes, swamps, and streams of temperate south-eastern coastal drainages. Final life cycle stage spent at sea on a spawning run, possibly triggered by phases of the moon, water temperature and water level rise. Juvenile glass eels then migrate back upstream. Becomes dormant

if temperatures fall below 10 ºC, burying into the soft creek bed. Known to move overland through damp grass to fi nd other streams, juveniles are also able of climb damp vertical walls. Nocturnal, opportunistic carnivore, diverse diet of aquatic organisms.

Short-fi nned eel Anguilla australis


Occurs around the entire mainland coast of Australia and northern Tasmania in large roving shoals. Primarily found in marine waters but commonly found in estuaries, brackish coastal lakes and lower freshwater reaches of rivers.

Undertakes spawning migrations out to sea, timing of the run varies with latitude, tending to leave estuaries during periods of prevailing offshore winds. Forms an important component of the commercial fi shing industry.

Sea mullet Mugil cephalus


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Relatively common in streams, estuaries and coastal seas between the Hawkesbury and Gawler Rivers. Has also penetrated far inland in the Murray River. Adulthood spent at sea or in estuaries, until upstream spawning migrations in fast-fl owing

sections of rivers. Moves mainly at night, spends the day buried in soft sediments and loose gravel. Has been seen congregated below barriers to upstream movement such as weirs.

Shoal-forming species found in the majority of the east coast drainages of Australia. Named for the brilliant blue ring surrounding its eye. Habitat can vary widely from brackish coastal waters in mangrove-lined creeks to pure fresh water

in clear forest streams. During breeding the males greatly enhance their coloration patterns, and erect their ornate fi ns in a display of courtship. Primarily consume insect larvae and micro-crustaceans.

Southern blue-eye Pseudomugil signifer


Short-headed lamprey Mordacia mordax

Natural distribution covers most of the Murray-Darling River system, excluding the cool, upper reaches. Also found in several eastern coastal river systems. Inhabits warm, sluggish, standing waters such as nutrient rich fl oodplains, with cover provided by woody debris and

vegetation, as well as fast-fl owing, turbid waters. Increased water fl ows and temperatures (over 23 ºC) trigger long upstream spawning migrations. Omnivorous diet, adults and juveniles feed on insects, molluscs, worms and algae.

Silver perch Bidyanus bidyanus


VULNERABLE


A wide natural range, incorporating most of the lower reaches of the Murrumbidgee and Murray River systems. Inhabits weedy, slow-fl owing or calm waters, lakes, shallow wetlands and irrigation channels. Prefers areas with cover provided by overhanging riparian

vegetation and aquatic plants. Spawns in response to rising water temperatures, males become territorial, and display more vivid colouration to attract a mate. Diet includes small crustaceans, insects and larvae.

One of the most widespread native freshwater fi sh. Particularly found in the warmer reaches of the Murray-Darling River system and temperate rivers of the far north coast. Occupies a range of water bodies, including main river channels, sandy lowland creeks and man-made lakes. Has

remarkably good dispersal abilities, recorded travelling up to 16 km in 2 hours along wheel ruts during thunderstorms! Upstream spawning migrations triggered by summer fl oods and temperatures exceeding 26 ºC. Opportunistic omnivore; feeds on small aquatic insects, crustaceans, algae and molluscs.

Found in most southeast coastal drainages but is more common at low elevations. Usually in muddy waterholes and slow-moving creeks, generally near submerged rocks, logs and vegetation. Juveniles are commonly found in estuaries as a

result of the newly hatched larvae being swept downstream, migrating back upstream later in life. Adults consume aquatic insects and the pest species Gambusia holbrooki (mosquitofi sh).

Striped gudgeon Gobiomorphus australis


Spangled perch Leiopotherapon unicolor


Southern pygmy perch Nannoperca australis


VULNERABLE

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Once widespread in the upper reaches of the Murray-Darling River system. Now found in the Murray River with different substrate among in-stream cover of woody debris and in Seven Creeks area in narrow streams with rock, gravel and sand substrates as well

as in pools mixed with rapids and cascades. Woody debris provides important habitat and a place for spawning. Inclined to remain at one site and have small home ranges. Carnivorous diet; feeding mainly on other fi sh, crustaceans, aquatic insects and molluscs.

Trout cod Maccullochella macquariensis


ENDANGERED

A usually solitary, bottom-dwelling, nocturnally active fi sh confi ned to a fairly small area on the northern slopes of the Great Dividing Range, in the upper reaches of the Murray River system. Inhabits cool, clear upland streams with in-stream cover, such as boulders, gravel or

cobbles. Also found in forested catchments with low sedimentation from soil erosion. Juveniles often form large groups among leaf litter and wood debris. Feeds on terrestrial invertebrates and aquatic insect larvae.


Range covers the Murray-Darling River system and east coast streams as far south as the Hunter River. Usually found around aquatic vegetation in slow-moving, often turbid creeks or in still waters of lakes and billabongs. Low fl ows and

rises above 21 ºC trigger spawning. Females lay a clutch of eggs on a hard surface which the male guards against intruders and fans with his pectoral fi ns. Eats aquatic invertebrates, insect larvae and some plant matter.


Popular freshwater angling fi sh, native to the northern hemisphere. First stocked in Australian waterways in the 1860s. Wide distribution throughout cooler waters, west of the Great Diving Range, due to stocking and migration. Generally found in fast fl owing streams and clear lakes. Undertakes upstream

spawning migrations in winter. Spawning occurs over gravel substrates; the fertilised eggs settle in depressions in the gravel, which are then covered in gravel by the female. Diet consists of aquatic and terrestrial insects, molluscs, small fi shes and crustaceans.

Brown trout Salmo trutta



Native to Asia, fi rst introduced into Australia in the mid 1800s and undertook rapid colonisation, especially throughout inland catchments during the 1970s. Commonly associated with disturbed habitat, slow-fl owing or stagnant waters, with abundant aquatic vegetation. Actively and

successfully competes with native fi sh for food, habitat and breeding sites. Prolifi c breeders; large, mature females can produce up to 1.5 million eggs. Diverse diet of molluscs, seeds, crustaceans, plant matter or detritus sucked from the bottom. Considered a ‘noxious’ species in NSW.

Two-spined blackfi sh Gadopsis bispinosus

Western carp gudgeon Hypseleotris klunzingeri

Common carp Cyprinus carpio

Introduced Fish

Bonjour!

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Goldfi sh Carassius auratus


Popular ornamental aquarium fi sh, native to eastern Asia. Introduced into Australia in the 1860s and subsequently released into the natural environment through carelessness and its use as live bait. Now widespread throughout most NSW catchments. Generally found

in slow-fl owing waters, can tolerate high temperatures, high turbidity, and low oxygen concentrations. Competes actively with native fi sh for food and habitat. Diet includes plant matter, organic material and small crustaceans.

Oriental weatherloach Misgurnus anguillicaudatus


Native to Asia and Europe. Introduced into Australia as an aquarium fi sh. Thoughtless release into waterways, escapees from ornamental ponds and live bait have resulted in a well established wild population. Highly invasive,

can tolerate a wide range of temperatures, salinity and oxygen levels. Can breathe air if needed and travel overland to colonise new waterways. Competes with native fi sh for food and habitat, and potentially feeds on native fi sh eggs.

Rainbow trout Oncorhynchus mykiss


Native to coastal drainages of western North America and eastern Siberia. First introduced into Australia in the 1890s for recreational angling from New Zealand derived stock. Generally prefers cool, clear, lake habitat, also found in fast fl owing rivers and streams with gravel substrates.

Upstream spawning migrations undertaken in winter to suitable gravel substrate sites, where fertilised eggs are protected and covered in gravel mounds to mature. Broad diet consists of aquatic and terrestrial insects, molluscs, crustaceans and small fi shes. Popular aquaculture fi sh.

Redfi n perch Perca fl uviatilis


Native to Europe, released into Australian waterways in the mid 1800s as an angling species. Prefers cooler, still, or slow-fl owing waters with abundant aquatic vegetation. Extremely productive fi sh; spawning occurs in spring when females lay thousands of eggs in long gelatinous ribbons on logs and

vegetation. Diverse diet consisting of crustaceans, molluscs and small native fi sh species, including western carp gudgeon and juvenile Murray cod. Also carries the highly infectious viral disease EHN (epizootic haematopoietic necrosis), which is lethal to several native fi sh species.


Native to North and Central America. Small species introduced into Australia as an aquarium fi sh and then into natural waterways as a biological control for mosquitoes (their ability to control mosquito populations was ineffective). Generally prefers

warm, slow-fl owing waters. High reproductive rate; females give birth to live young, several times a year, producing 50-300 young at a time. An aggressive fi sh, known to prey upon the eggs and juveniles of native fi sh and frog species.

Gambusia Gambusia holbrooki

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GlossaryAmphipod: small shrimp-like crustacean with a thin body. E.g. water fl ea.

Benthic: relating to the bottom of a water body (sea, lake or river).

Brackish: slightly salty, as a result of fresh and salt water mixing.

Carnivorous: feeding mainly on the fl esh of other animals.

Copepod: tiny crustacean that lives among plankton and is an important food source for many fi sh.

Crustacean: freshwater or saltwater animal with no backbone (invertebrate), jointed legs and hard shell made of chitin. E.g. crab, lobster, crayfi sh, water fl ea.

Detritus: organic matter formed by the decomposition of animals and plants.

Elongate: narrow, the length is greater than the width.

Endemic: unique to a particular geographic region.

Ephemeral: short-lived waterway which fl ows after a high rainfall event.

Invertebrate: an animal without a backbone.

Larvae: an early life stage which still carries a yolk sac and diff ers greatly in appearance and behaviour than the adult form.

Macrophyte: a water plant large enough to be observed with the naked eye.

Mollusc: an invertebrate with a soft unsegmented body wholly or partly enclosed by a shell.

Nocturnal: active by night.

Omnivorous: eating both animal and plant foods.

Pectoral: found on either side of the body just behind the gill opening.

Planktonic: fl oating in the water column and carried by the currents.

Riparian: land which adjoins, directly infl uences, or is infl uenced by a body of water.

Reach: a stretch or portion of a river usually between bends.

Spawn: to release sex cells (eggs and sperm) directly into the water.

Substrate: non-living material serving as the waterway bed or basis upon which an organism lives or grows.

Turbid: muddied, cloudy, caused by suspended matter, usually sediments or the result of run-off .

Venomous: produces venom, extremely poisonous or injurious.

Wallum: Banksia dominated sandy coastal heath.

Zooplankton: tiny, usually microscopic animal, suspended or swimming in water.

Published by NSW Department of Primary Industries May 2007.Reference Number: 7672

Acknowledgments:

Species text adapted from Allen et al. (2002), McDowall (1996) and Morris et al. (2001). Maximum fi sh lengths from McDowall (1996).Images of Oncorhynchus mykiss and Salmo trutta by John GasparottoAll other fi sh images © Gunther SchmidaDesign by Graphiti-design (www.graphiti-design.com.au)

© State of New South Wales through NSW Department of Primary Industries (2007). You may copy, distribute, display, download and otherwise freely deal with this publication for any purpose, provided that you attribute the department as the owner. However, you must obtain permission if you wish to charge others for access to the publication (other than at cost); include the publication in advertising or a product for sale; modify the publication; or re-publish the publication on a website. You may freely link to the publication on the NSW Department of Primary Industries website.

Disclaimer: The information contained in this publication is based on knowledge and understanding at the time of writing (May 2007). However, because of advances in knowledge, users are reminded of the need to ensure that information upon which they rely is up to date and to check currency of the information with the appropriate offi cer of New South Wales Department of Primary Industries or the user‘s independent adviser. The distribution maps are indicative only. They cannot be considered comprehensive and may contain errors and omissions. NSW DPI and its employees disclaim liability for any act done or omission made on the basis of the information in the map and any consequence of such acts or omissions.

To discover more about native fi sh species:

Allen, G.R., Midgley, S.H. & Allen, M. (2002). Field Guide to the Freshwater Fishes of Australia. Western Australian Museum, Perth.

McDowall, R.M., (1996). Freshwater fi shes of south-eastern Australia. Reed Books, Sydney.

To learn more about the basic biology, distribution and conservation status of 30 threatened and potentially threatened species of NSW:

Morris, S.A., Pollard, D.A., Gehrke, P.C. & Pogonoski, J.J. (2001). Threatened and Potentially Threatened Freshwater Fishes of Coastal New South Wales and the Murray-Darling Basin. NSW Fisheries, Sydney.

If you fi nd a threatened or protected native fi sh on your property please

report it to the NSW DPI protected and threatened species sighting program on 02 4916 3877.

If you would like to know how you can improve fi sh habitat and help

our native fi sh species contact your nearest NSW DPI offi ce or visit www.

dpi.nsw.gov.au/fi sheries.

If you fi nd a threatened or protected native fi sh on your property please

report it to the NSW DPI protected and threatened species sighting program on 02 4916 3877.program on 02 4916 3877.

If you would like to know how you can improve fi sh habitat and help

our native fi sh species contact your nearest NSW DPI offi ce or visit www.

dpi.nsw.gov.au/fi sheries.dpi.nsw.gov.au/fi sheries.

To discover more about native fi sh To discover more about native fi sh

Freshwater fi shes of south-eastern Australia. Reed Books,

freshwater fish guide nsw

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